PA Outdoor Corps Program Specialist (Natural Resource Program Specialist 1)

Are you passionate about the natural resources of our state and excited to share that enthusiasm with the next generation? We have a fantastic opportunity tailored for you. In this position, you will be instrumental in the planning, execution, and assessment of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, which stands as the state's leading program for developing a youth conservation workforce. Your role will encompass engaging, hands-on training and activities designed to instill a deep appreciation for nature and the importance of conservation. By sharing your knowledge and passion, you can ignite a sense of responsibility in young individuals, encouraging them to cherish and safeguard our natural heritage. Join us in our mission to cultivate the future stewards of Pennsylvania's environment!

In the role of PA Outdoor Corps Program Specialist (Natural Resource Program Specialist 1), you will play a crucial part in the planning and execution of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, along with various youth engagement initiatives. This position involves conducting hands-on training in the field, covering essential skills such as herbicide application, trail construction, and light building projects. You will also be responsible for creating detailed project timelines and developing educational modules focused on environmental awareness. Additionally, the role requires the production of outreach materials and visual content, as well as delivering informative presentations that highlight program operations, performance metrics, recruitment strategies, and opportunities for collaboration with partners. Furthermore, you will engage in feasibility studies to assess potential areas for program expansion, ensuring that the initiatives remain impactful and relevant to the community's needs.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• You will have the option to work from one of the following locations:
  • Rachel Carson State Office Building (400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101)
  • State Parks Region 4 Office, Nockamixon State Park (1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown, PA 1895)
• This position will require travel and overtime as needed.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education; and a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C driver's license that is not under suspension.
• You will be required to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification which will be provided by the agency within 6 months of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.
• In accordance with Act 153 of 2014 this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks around the time of hire and thereafter every 5 years.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.